Studio Policies:
Costs:
$20.00 per 30-minute lesson. All lessons are to be prepaid for the month by the first lesson of the month. I do not give refunds for missed lessons. I will try to issue a make-up whenever possible. If I need to cancel the lesson, then you will either not be charged or you will be credited for the next month. I have my closings posted on my calendar. I must charge $30 for a returned check to cover my bank fees. If you decide to discontinue lessons with me, I ask for 2 weeks paid notice.
All my studio closings are listed on the schedule provided. You are required to pay for your lesson slot if my studio is open. I am holding that time slot for you whether or not you use it.
Summer Lesson Policy: I run a 12-month studio, so I expect students to continue their studies through the summer. I give 2 scheduled vacation weeks off plus other days per the schedule. I ask for payment for all other scheduled summer lessons which you miss. If you choose to stop for the summer, this is fine; but I cannot reserve your time slot. If new students request that time, I will have to give it up. You will have to re-enroll in the fall. Thanks for your understanding.
I have found that students lose too much ground when they stop for 10-12 weeks. Basically the entire fall months are spent "getting back on track" musically which is a waste of time and of your money. It also creates undue discouragement in the students. What better time to fully focus on music when your child is not under the pressures of school and sports???
Absences:
Please call and leave a message on my machine or email if you can't make your lesson. If weather prevents a lesson, we will schedule a make-up lesson. I don't answer the phone during lessons, so please make sure you leave a message. I do not credit or pro-rate for missed lessons. Make-ups will be offered.
Instruments:
Piano students MUST have an instrument to practice on at home. This could be either an acoustic (upright or grand) piano, or a keyboard that has the following: 5 octaves of keys and touch-sensitive lifesize keys (these play loud and softly). Intermediate students will need a pedal with their keyboard. I have an information sheet that you can take to the store if you need further information. If you have a keyboard, it MUST be on a proper stand and you must have a proper seat. No practicing on beds or the floor! (these can be purchased at Target)
Voice Students:
I STRONGLY recommend all voice students take at least one year of piano lessons, either with or before taking voice. This will greatly add to their practice abilities.
Practicing:
Please make sure you practice IMMEDIATELY after your lesson. Studies show that students who wait 24 hours after their lesson to practice lose 70% of what was learned. If a student waits 48 hours to practice, that number jumps to 90%. After 3 days, NOTHING is retained from the lesson. Practice when the information is still fresh in your mind.
Piano/Saxophone: 5 days a week of practice.
Beginners: 10-15 minutes a day. (5 days a week) Often with a student I do not enforce "time" persay for practicing, but "amount". For example, I may have a student play a scale 2 times, their song 3 times, and their exercise 4 times. However long it takes to complete that is their practice time. This helps younger students who do not understand the concept of time. Yet they feel good about completing clear, set goals. Just saying "work on that" is too general for beginning students.
Intermediate: 15-25 minutes a day. The eventualy goal will be 30 minutes a day. 5 days a week of practice is required.
Voice: Vocal practicing will be determined by the teacher and student. The voice is a living instrument made of muscle and tissue, so practice will be determined by the needs of the voice being trained. Do not force practice when you are sick with a sore throat or cold, or taking heavy allergy/sinus medicines. If you cannot sing, we will do theory in your lessons.
I provide a weekly practice chart for the student to fill in. Come to your lesson even if you have not practiced! Skipping both lessons and practice times will lead to a slump.
Parents in lesson:
I allow parents to sit in on one lesson to get to know my style of teaching. Occasionally I will call the parent into the lesson to hear what we are doing. For the most part, I do not allow parents or visitors into the lessons as I must be able to bond with my student and develop trust.
Lesson sheets:
I fill out a lesson sheet for each lesson given. Parents are encouraged to check this and initial the practice chart. Always bring your lesson sheet to your next lesson. Keep them in a notebook for reference.
Lesson Resources and Textbooks:
VOICE STUDENTS: I suggest these resources:
- Master Theory by Charles Peters and Paul Yoder
- The CD set The Ultimate Training for Voice by Billy Purnell www.voicetraining.com
- I will provide a warm-up CD for the student to use at home
PIANO STUDENTS: I evalutate the student and determine which piano method to use. Each student learns at a different rate, and different method books cater to these learning styles. I do not use one method book for all students. I generally choose between Bastien, Faber, Thompson, Alfreds, Piano Party, Piano Town, Music and Me, and Schaum for my students. If a student is already using a method book, we will generally stay with that one.
SAXOPHONE STUDENTS: Essential Elements For Saxophone
Schedule for 2008:
I am closed all major holidays and most three-day weekends. I am closed two weeks in the summer and allow each student one additional week off of their choice in the summer.
April: Closed from April 9-11
May: Closed May 26
June: Closed June 30, June 12, June 20
July: Closed July 1-4th
August: Closed Aug.4-8
Sept. Closed Sept. 1
October: Closed Oct. 13
November: Closed Nov.24-28
December: Closed Dec.22-31